Mary Donahoe isn't your average seventeen-year-old girl. She communicates with most supernatural beings--including angels--in the spiritual realm. This gift runs in her family, much to her grandmother's and mother's concern. Her aunt, who is also gifted with this supernatural ability, mysteriously disappeared over twenty years ago. Mary stumbles upon a semi-fallen angel, Mariel, who has been exiled to Earth for committing a recent transgression. She realizes there has been an unusual increase in spiritual activity from supernatural beings on Earth. Unknown to her, the Archangels have grown weary of man's destructive nature and are waiting to wreak retribution on Earth--hence the increase of spiritual entities. Mary has a crucial part to play in Earth's outcome. But what is it? Will Mariel aid her in this riveting quest? You'll find the answers to these questions--and much more--in Bethany Summers' Mortals and Angels.

This novel is a fantastic blend of YA fantasy, intrigue, suspense, and drama. Without a doubt, it will keep you enthralled from beginning to end. Hands down, Mary is one of the most fascinating characters I have read in a YA fantasy novel. She is highly perceptive, empathetic, and skillful at mapping the mindsets and emotional states of the other characters, including her family members. Contrastingly, most of them seem unaware of the depth of her intuitive nature. I loved her interaction with Mariel and the way their dynamic unfolds throughout the storyline. They both appear to be the unlikely ally the other person unknowingly needs. Bethany Summers' world-building throughout Mortals and Angels is nothing short of phenomenal. She creates an immersive universe filled with intricate details that bring every scene to life. From spiritual encounters to everyday events in Mary's life, each setting is richly portrayed, making the reader feel like they are part of Mary's compelling journey. This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys a heartwarming YA fantasy novel.

Bethany Summers brings us fantasy fiction in Mortals and Angels: The Beginning of the End. From a young age, Mary Donahoe has been able to see spirits and angels. She can even hear their conversations. Now at 17, her attention is more focused on school, extracurricular activities, and getting her hands on a scholarship. As the middle child in a house of extroverts, Mary usually keeps to herself, preferring solitude. Strangely, Mary suddenly excels at track and advances rapidly in karate, which she only started recently. She finds herself undoubtedly out of her comfort zone and notices that more spirits are suddenly converging around Earth’s atmosphere. There is a family secret that Mary must uncover to understand better what is happening in her world.

Author Bethany Summers has created an interesting world for fantasy readers. With a strong female lead and a host of supporting characters, the stage is set for the revealing of an alternate reality. Writing in the third-person narrative from the perspective of our protagonist gives the reader a better insight into the plot. The pace is steady with a good build-up to a final battle of good versus evil. This is a story of fate, destiny, and free will. The author shares some interesting insights regarding religion and our place in this world. Mortals and Angels: The Beginning of the End is suitable for young adults with some minor explicit language and mention of violence. There is a second book on the horizon, so we know Mary’s journey does not end here.

To everyone else in Laguna Beach, Mary Donahoe is your typical teen who enjoys spending time with her friends and taking long walks now and then to find a little solitude to think. Most people do not know this young girl has an unusual gift: she can see and communicate with otherworldly beings. These extraterrestrials are unaware of her until the day Mariel, an angel contemplating why he remains on Earth, comes across her. An interesting friendship forms between these two, but their growing bond attracts the attention of others with ulterior motives. Only time will tell if Mariel can protect his new friend without jeopardizing his redemption chances in Bethany Summers’ Mortals And Angels.

In Mortals And Angels, Bethany Summers presents a unique perspective on the ongoing struggle between good and evil. In the first installment of this engaging series, the author skillfully develops characters to realistic levels through detailed backstories. These depict fallen angels wrestling with guilt over their past and ordinary mortals facing everyday challenges like peer pressure and aspirations to join school teams alongside deep-rooted family issues. The dialogue is thought-provoking, particularly during Mary’s in-depth conversations with Mariel, which explore themes of the first rebellion and judgment day—topics many perceptive readers may ponder at some point. The measured pace helps unravel the subtle hints surrounding Mary’s quest to uncover her family’s secret. Summers’ masterful storytelling injects excitement into the story, balancing action, adventure, and drama while gently emphasizing religious themes. I found this captivating novel enjoyable and eagerly await the next installment.

Mortals and Angels: The Beginning of the End by Bethany Summers is a grand narrative that weaves together celestial intrigue, human struggles, and the delicate equilibrium between divine realms and mortal life. As the story begins, Mariel, a once-adored angel who has been cast down to Earth, must deal with the consequences of his disobedience of divine law. Mary, an astute mortal girl who defies the norms of her kind by seeing and communicating with angels, interrupts his solitary existence on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. As Mariel hesitantly connects with Mary, they unravel a complex tapestry of secrets linked to celestial politics, humanity's self-destructive tendencies, and an impending event that threatens to alter the fabric of creation itself. Through Mariel’s resentment and Mary’s mysterious aura, the story examines the nuanced connections among the divine, the fallen, and the vulnerable human world, immersing readers in a richly layered narrative filled with enigmas, tension, and significant insights.

Bethany Summers’ prose enchants with its vibrant world-building and the poetic imagery draws readers into both the celestial and earthly domains. The plot is meticulously crafted, harmonizing introspection with high-stakes drama, while the pacing progressively builds toward moments of intense suspense. Mariel’s inner turmoil alongside Mary’s resilience creates engaging character arcs, and their interactions highlight themes of redemption, free will, and the ambiguous boundaries between good and evil. Summers’ skill in merging philosophical inquiry with a fantastical storyline is noteworthy, making Mortals and Angels a profound and thought-provoking read for enthusiasts of character-rich fantasy.